Team Garmin confirms Cervelo deal

USA’s team Garmin-Transitions confirmed today that it will work with Cervélo for next season, though it failed to add in what capacity.

Garmin’s management company “Slipstream met with Felt Bicycles, who had the option to continue as the bike sponsor of Garmin-Transitions in 2011,” said the team in a press release. “After careful consideration Felt Bicycles chose not to exercise its option.”

The press release said Garmin will “join forces” with Cervélo, but failed to say if Cervélo bicycles will be more than a technical sponsor. Last night, Cervélo TestTeam announced it would end at the end of the season and conclude two years as a second division team.

Canada’s bike manufacturer, Cervélo helped created the team at the end of 2008 with the signing of reigning Tour de France champion, Spaniard Carlos Sastre. Over one week ago, however, Sastre announced that he will ride for Team Geox in 2011.

Yesterday, a source with Cervélo told Cycling Weekly, “It’s more or less official, it will be Garmin-Cervélo.” Adding that riders Thor Hushovd and Heinrich Haussler will ride with Garmin next season. Brit Roger Hammond and German Andreas Klier are also said to be joining, but the future of Brits Jeremy Hunt and Dan Lloyd, as well as the team’s other 18 riders is unknown at this time.

The addition of Hushovd and Haussler may cause overlap and potential problems with Garmin’s team sprinter, American Tyler Farrar. Garmin’s team manager, Jonathan Vaughters did not respond to telephone calls regarding the new partnership.